Control for spinning frames



D. E. LEWELLEN ETAL 2,682,781

CONTROL FOR SPINNING FRAMES July 6, 1954 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Apfil 1, 1952 TOE 5 INVENTORS 9 N EMNIONS F. LEWELLEN DARCY E. LEWELLEN .BY@ZZM;;%A;

- ATTORNEYS y 1954 D. E. LEWELLEN ET AL 2,682,781

CONTROL FOR SPINNING FRAMES Filed April 1, 1952 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG-3 INVENTORS FIG 4 EMMONS F. LEWELLEN DARCY E.LEWELL EN BYa g ya g ATTORNEYS y 1954 f D. E. LEWELLEN ETAL 2,682,781

CONTROL FOR SPINNING FRAMES Filed April 1, 1952 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG-5 FIG-J4 ATTORNEYS July 6, 1954 D. E. LEWELLEN ETAL 2,632,781

CONTROL FOR SPINNING FRAMES Filed April 1. 1952 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG-l3 INVENTORS EMMONS ELEWELLEN DARCY E. LEWELLEN ATTORNEYS Jiily 6, 195

D. E. LEWELLEN ETAL CONTROL FOR SPINNING FRAMES 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 1, 1952 LI L2L3 DARCY ELEWELLEN BY M4. frmg ATTORNEYS y 1954 D. E. LEWELLEN ETAL 2,682,781

CONTROL FOR SPINNING FRAMES Filed April 1, 1952 8 Sheets-Sheet 6v INVENTORS EMMONS F. LEWELLEN DARCY E. LEWELLEN BY :2 4 Z ATTORNEYS FIG-IO July 1954 D. E. LEWELLEN ETAL CONTROL FOR SPINNING FRAMES 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed April l, 1952 y 6, 1954 D. E. LEWELLEN ETAL CONTROL FOR SPINNING FRAMES 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed April 1, 1952 Imd awwmw UJQZEw 7TH 8TH HOUR 3RD. 4TH

DOFFING TIME FIG-I7 DRAFT ROLLS HANK ROVING FR ONT ROLLS GUIDE BOBBIN RING SPINDLE DRIVE F IG- l6 INVENTORS EMMONS E LEWELLEN DARCY E. LEWELLEN B ATTORNEYS Patented July 6, 1954 OFFICE CONTROL FOR SPINNING FRAMES Darcy E. Lewellen and Emmons F. Lewellen, Columbus, Ind.

Application April 1, 1952, Serial No. 279,854

21 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a drive arrangement for spinning frames, particularly to a variable speed drive arrangement and a control system for controlling the manner in which the speed of the spinning frame is varied.

Spinning frames are well known and comprise machines which mount up to several hundred spindles and which spindles are driven in rotation by an input drive shaft of the frame. The spindles are arranged vertically and are adapted for being driven at'difierent speeds depending on the particular type of yarn being made.

The twisting action on the yarn during the spinning thereof is accomplished by driving the spindles on which the yarn is being wound at different speeds and by the action of the follower rings which are whirled about the spindles by the yarn.

The follower rings are relatively light and revolve about the rim of a hollow disk which surrounds the spindle. The speed at which the follower ring spins, and, therefore, the twist on the yarn, is determined by the tension on the yarn and the weight of the follower ring. When the spinning operation is first'started and the spindle is bare, the angle between the follower ring and the-spindle is quite acute "and'experience has indicated thatunder these starting conditions for any given yarn a certain given spindle speed cannotbe exceeded. However, as the winding of the yarn on the spindle proceedsand the efiective diameter on which the yarn is being wound increases, the angle that the thread follows between the follower ring and the spindle is materially lessened and thespindle speed could be materially increased thereby increasing the output of each spinning frame.

For example, in connection with. a yarn for which the spindles commence running at 5000 R. P. M., it is possible that the speed could be increased by, say, ten or fifteen percent, or even more. The important thing about the speed increase of the spindle is that it must be gradual and under control at all times. Further, whereas in some instances it may be desirable to effect a given speed increase over a period of, say, one to two hours, in other cases it may be necessary to spread the same increase over a period of, say, three to four hours.

However, the shorter wind-up perioddo-ff of the bobbin, and the consequently increased production is not the only advantage of the spinning frame drive of this invention. Control of tension of the yarn is another important feature.

In the spinning of yarn, the draft system determines the ends or count of the yarn, and the ratio of speeds between the front roll and bobbin spindle determines the yarn twist. The weight of the traveler is a factor in the yarn tension, but tension varies because the angle of the yarn between the traveler and the bobbin Varies as the bobbin fills. The traveler, whirling around the ring, develops a relativel high centrifugal force.

The angle of the yarn from the guide to the traveler and to the bobbin is critical because the centrifugal force developed by the traveler resolves into vector forces determined by the angle of the yarn. A variable angle means variable vector forces, and, of course, variable tension on the yarn.

The effect of the speed gain of the bobbin, according to this invention, is to maintain constant tension throughout the doff. Decreased tension is indicated by excessive ballooning. In operation, the drive and control effectively restricts ballooning.

Controlling tension and ballooning permits a larger ring diameter and produces a larger, uniformly dens-er, package. Consequently, the following operationspoolingis faster with reduced breakage. I

Controlling tension at the spinning frame reduces breakage. This reduced breakage occurs at a fairly uniform rate throughout the deli, instead of at recurring peak periods, permitting the operator to tend more frames.

Inconnection with the control of the tension on the yarn, it will be understood that a certain amount of ballooning is necessary so that the yarn in passing from the top guide to the spindle does not strike the winding on the spindle. In the usual method of operation in a spinning frame, where the spindles run at constant speed, this ballooning efiect increases during spinning because the tension on the yarn decreases on account of the change of angle from the follower ring to the spindle. This becomes a serious condition, and, since the spindles are located close together in rows along the spinning frame, it is the customary practice to provide baffles of sheet metal interposed midway between each two adjacent spindles, thereby to prevent the ballooning yarn leading to one spindle from striking the ballooning yarn on the adjoining spindle.

Baffle plates of this nature prevent this from occurring, but they also have an injurious effect on the yarn, since the yarn is constantly striking against the baflle plates.

By controlling the tension on the yarn so that it remains substantially uniform, it has been found that the balloning can be controlled and that it is not only possible to remove the baffles from between the spindles, but also to wind each spindle to a considerably larger diameter. This has the specific result of materially increasing the production of the spinning frame, and also serves toimprove the subsequent spooling operation because each spool will receive the yarn from a number of spindles.

Having the foregoing in mind, it is a primary object of the present invention to. provide a drive: arrangement for a spinning frame in which the speed can gradually be increased during a pre determined period from a given starting speed to a predetermined upper limit.

A particular object of this invention is the provision of a variable speed drive for a spinning frame and a, control system for automatically varying the setting of the drive inwhichthe control system is substantially entirely independent physically from the spinning frame and. drive, so that it can readily be incorporated in existing spinning frames, if desired.

A still further object of the present invention is the'provisicn of an arrangement of the nature referred to in which the starting and stopping of the main drive'motor for the spinning frame will not effect the control system.

Another particular object of the present invention is the provision of a control system for a variable speed drive for a spinning frame in which it is possible quickly to reset the transmission to the starting speed for the particular yarn being spun after a runhas been completed on the spinning frame.

A still further object is the. provision of a control arrangement for a variable speed drive'which will gradually adjust the speed setting of the drive between a predetermined lower limit and a predetermined higher limit which is capable of adjustment between widely varying limits.

Another particular object of this invention is the provision of a. device and a. method of operation that will maintain. the yarn tension in a spinning frame substantially constant.

The foregoing objects and still other objects and advantages will be more apparent on reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure I is an end elevational view of aspinning frame showing the drive motor therefor, the variable speed transmission through which the motor drives the spinning frame, and. the control arrangement of the present invention operably associated with the variable speed drive;

Figure 2 is a view looking in from the left side of Figure 1 showing still other details in. connection with the construction of the. machine;

Figure 3 is a plan view looking down on top of Figure 2 showing the arrangement of' the motor, variable speed drive, and. control arrangement.

Figure 4 is a view of the drive motor and variable speed transmission connected therewith looking in at the right side of these elements in Figure l. and drawn at a scale greater than that employed for Figures 1, 2, and 3:

Figure 5 is a view looking in from the right side of Figure 4 and drawn at about the same scale showing the mechanism by which the variable speed transmission is adjusted as to its speed ratio;

Figure 6 is a sectional View indicated by line 6-6 on Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a sectional view indicated by line 11 on Figure 5 showing the driven pulley of the variable speed transmission;

Figure 8 is a view looking in the direction of the arrows 8-8 on Figure 2 showing the control arrangement by means of which the variable speed transmission is adjusted;

Figure 9 is a sectional view indicated by line 9-9 on Figure 8-;

Figure 10 is a sectional view indicated by line Hll0 on Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a sectional view indicated by line til-1 on Figure 8 but drawn at somewhat larger scale- Fi'gure- 12 is a front elevational view of that portion of the control arrangement illustrated in Figures 11;.

Figure 13 is a sectional view indicated by line it' -f3 on Figure 11;

Figure 14 is a sectional view indicated by line l -W on Figure 11';

Figure 15 is a diagrammatic representation of the electric control circuit forming a part of the present invention;

Figure 16 is a more or less diagrammatic view showing the path of the yarn from the draft rolls of" the drafting frame to the bobbin in the spinning frame;

Figure 1'7 is a graph showing different manner of varying the bobbin speed for different yarns; and- Figure 18' is a somewhat diagrammatic View showing one manner in which the. rate of change of speedof the transmission can be varied.

In general, the present invention is practiced by arranging between a drive motor and the input drive shaft for a spinning frame an infinitely variable transmission. The transmission is made adjustable manually sothat it can be set at any predetermined point with-in the limits of its adjustment.

According to the present invention, automatic meansare also connected with the variable speed transmission for effecting the adjustment thereof, and this automatic means is operable to adjustthe setting of the variable speed transmission gradually from: a predetermined lowlimit to a' predetermined upper limit.

Manual means are provided for disconnecting the automatic control system when it is desired to make an initial adjustment of the transmission manually. The control system can also be adjusted to limit the speed increase of the variablespeed transmission to a predetermined maximum amount. Thereafter, the control system is connected with the variable speed transmission and will operate to gradually increase the speed setting thereof to a predetermined point and then. halt further adjustment of the speed setting.

According, to this invention, the rate of speed adjustment can be constant or variable, depending upon the. particular yarn being treated.

When the. spinning frame is again started up for a new run, the resetting of the variable speed transmission back to its original starting point will also serve to reset the control system so that once the control system is adjusted for any given type of yarn it will operate onv repetitive runs of the spinning. frame to exercise exactly the same control every time.

Referring now to the drawings somewhat more in detail, reference to Figures 1 through 3 will reveal the general arrangement of the spinning frame, drive motor, variable speed transmission and control system of the present invention. In these views the spinning frame is generally indicated by the reference numeral I0, and extending from the spinning frame is the input drive shaft I2 therefor. Mounted on drive shaft I2 is the expansible pulley or sheave I4 over which passes the transmission belt I6. The transmission belt I6, in turn, passes over the expansible pulley or sheave I8 that is mounted on the drive shaft of the drive motor 20.

As will be explained more fully hereinafter, the setting of the infinitely variable speed transmission which consists of the adjustable sheaves .I4 and I8 and their interconnecting transmission belt I6 is accomplished by rotation of a threaded member which carries at one end a sprocket 22 over which passes a chain 24 that also passes over a sprocket 26 on a shaft 28 extending out the back wall of a housing 30 which encloses the control system of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7, it will be noted that the drive pulley mounted on the shaft of motor 20 consists of the inwardly facing conical disks 32 and 34, with disk 34 having an elongated hub 35 on which disk 32 is slidably keyed. Disk 34 is rigidly mounted on the drive shaft of the motor to be driven thereby, whereas disk 32 is movable axially along the hub 35 in order to change the effective diameter of the pulley.

A thrust type ball bearing 36 is mounted on the hub of disk 32 and is retained within a housing 31 to which is pivotally connected a pair of links 38 that are pivoted at their other ends to an intermediate point on an adjusting lever or yoke 39 that has its lower end pivoted at 40 on a stationary base plate and which has its other end pivoted at M to links 42 extending to and pivoted to an adjustment block 43. The adjustment block is threadedly mounted on adjusting screw 44 that has its opposite ends rotatably journaled in the stationary bracket 45. The one end of adjustment screw44 carries the sprocket 22 previously referred to and over which passes chain 24. v

The adjustable sheave or pulley mounted on the input shaft I2 of the spinning frame comprises a first inwardly facing conical disk element 46 having a hub 41 keyed to shaft I2 and locked in place on the said shaft, as by the-set screws 48. Slidably mounted on the hub 41 is a second inwardly facing conical disk member 49 also having a hub 50, and which hub is slidably keyed to hub 41 of disk 46 so that the said disks rotate together.

At the extreme end of hub 41 there is a collar 5I retained in place by a snap ring 52, and between which collar and the outer face of disk 49 there bears a compression spring 53. The compression spring may advantageously be enclosed within the two-part telescopic housing 54. j

sprocket 22 is mounted on the shaft 28 which extends into the housing 30 and is journaled in the housing, as by means of the bearings 60 mounted on brackets upstanding from the bottom wall of the housing. The end of shaft 28 opposite sprocket 26 supports a handwheel 6| so the rotation of the said handwheel will bring about driving of chain 24 by sprocket 26, and thus cause rotation of sprocket 22 and threaded rod 44 thereby to shift block 43, and thereby to bring about adjustment of the speed setting of the variable speed transmission.

Rotatably mounted on shaft 28 between the bearings 60 is a worm wheel 62. Also, slidably keyed on shaft 28, is a clutch member 64 which is urged by a compression spring 66 toward a position of engagement with a corresponding .clutch portion on worm wheel 62, so that, normally, the worm wheel is drivingly connected with shaft 28. However, a shifter form 65 is associated with clutch member 64 and is adapted for movement by a manually operable shift rod 61 to effect disengagement of worm wheel 62 from shaft 28 when desired.

Extending transversely in housing 30 and supported by hearing brackets 68 extending out from the back wall of the housing is a shaft I0 that has thereon a worm I2 continuously meshing with worm wheel 62. At its end, shaft I0 has mounted thereon a spur gear I4 which meshes with a pinion 16 on a shaft I8 extending through a bracket 80.

At its opposite end shaft I8 has mounted thereon gear M which meshes with a gear 82 on a shaft 84 journaled in bracket and on which shaft there is also a gear 86 that meshes with a gear 88 on a shaft 90, said shaft 90 also being journaled in bracket 80 and extending completely therethrough to be connected by a coupling 92 with the reduced speed output shaft of'the geared head motor 94.

As will best be seen in Figure 10, the gears 88, 86, 82, and BI are positioned immediately inside one side wall of the housing, and this side wall of the housing includes the removable door 95 which can be removed for the purpose of gaining access to the said gears. These gears are change gears and sets may be provided so that one set of gears can be removed from the shafts 90, 84, and I8, and another set placed thereon, and in this manner effect a change in the driving ratio between motor 94 and pinion I6 thatmeshes with gear 14.

Returning to Figures 8 and 9, it will be seen that shaft 28 also has thereona small gear 96 that is in mesh with a. larger gear 98 mounted on a shaft so as to turn with a small gear I00 that meshes with the relatively large gear I02. Turning now to Figures 11 and 12, it will be seen that gear I02 is mounted on a shaft I06 that is rotatable in sleeve I04. Shaft I06 extends out through the front wall of the housing 30. At its end opposite gear I02, shaft I06 has keyed thereto a cam I08. Adjacent the cam I08 there is rotatably mounted on shaft I06 a gear IIO having a hub II2 on which is carried a. disk of insulating material I I4. Gear I I0 has bracket means secured thereto that provide support for a limit switch LSI which has leads extending therefrom and through the gear to slip rings mounted on disk I I4 and which are engaged by brushes. Gear IIO meshes with a 'gear II6 keyed to a shaft II8 that extends through the front wall of the housing to have secured thereto an adjusting knob I20.

Turning to Figure 13, it will be seen that the leads I 22 and I24 extending from limit switch LSI are connected with the slip rings I26 and I28, respectively, and on which bear the brushes I30 and I32, respectively. In this manner, electrical connections are maintained with the limit 7. switch in all angular positions: of adjustment thereof.

Turning now' to: Figure 14, it will be seen that the: cam l08'that is keyed to shaft. I 06 comprises anarcuate portion I34 and a fiat portion I36 so that limit switch LS1 is: in: one condition when the flat portion of the cam is adjacent the actuating roller I38 of the switch and in another condition when the said roller is engaged by the end of the flat portion at the beginning of the circumferential part I34 of the cam.

Figure 14 also shows a braking arrangement associated with gear H6 and which comprises a plate MU pivotally mounted on a pin M2 which may extend from the supporting bracket for motor 94 and which plateis slotted at 1:44 to embrace the sleeve in which shaft H8: is journaled. Mounted on plate M and on the opposite side oi gear therefrom is a second plate MS with the plates being urged toward each other by r the springs [48 which will be seen in Figure 11. This arrangement provides a frictional drag on gear HS so that it will remain in adjusted positions'.

Shaft [06' carries on its outer end the pointer I50 and pointer I50 moves over a dial.v 1'52? mounted an the wall of the housing 30. This dial is calibrated to indicate spinning machine: spindle speeds. The wall of the housing also carries a bushing [54, and loosely mounted on. bushing $5 is a dial 156 having a pointer I58. Pointer I58"- may be located at any point over dial I52 and is held in place by a clamp Hi0 and clamp nut IE2. Inasmuch as. shaft 1'06 is always drivingly engaged with shaft 28, the position of point,- i

er 150 will always indicate. the spindle speed.

Knob I20 has a pointer H505 which moves over a dial I12; Dial 11-2 is rotatably mounted on bushing I'M and is adapted for being locked: in

place by the clamp ITS. Dial: H2 is calibrated in equally spaced" divisions, and the: purpose of this calibration will become more apparent hereinafter.

Reference now to: Figure 15 will. reveal that the three-phase power lines L1,.L2'z, and L31 are ledthrough a starting switch 200- to. wires which supply the main drive motor From the: motor side of switch 200, wires 2G1", 202", and 203 lead to the'control system, as well as connections represented by wires 2314 205, which lead to the: line side of switch 21W.

Wire 2135 leads: to contact a ona relay generally indicated by reference numeral 206 wire 20! leads to contact I) of the relay; and wire 202 leads to contact 0 of the relay.

Associated with contact a is a contact (2 of the relay that is connected with one side of the operating coil 20'! of relay 206. Associated with contact I) is a contact e, and associated with contact c is a contact Another pair of contacts are indicated at g and it. When coil 201 is energi'zed, contacts a andd, b and e, and c and f are closed by their respective blades, while contacts 9 and h are open.

Wire Zifll is connected with one side of a normally closed stop switch 2&8, the other side of which is connected with one terminal of the nor- .ially closed, limit switch LS2, the other side of switch, LS2 being, connected by a wire 209 with one of the. brushes E39, I32, and which, in turn,

is connected with one side of limit switch LS1. The other side of limit switch LSI leads through the other ofthe brushes i355, I3 2 to a, point midway between the signal lamps 210 and 2E2.

Limit switch LS2, as will be seen in Figure 6,

8 is. mounted-in a housing 2 1 3- carried by bracket and is adapted for actuationby cams Zifi on a rod ZIS that is directly: connected with block 53, as by meansof'the bracket 2 [9.

It will be noted that the midpoint between the signal lamps 210 and H2 is also connected with the side of operating coil 20'! opposite the connection of the said coil with contact d of the relay. The other side of signal light 2"] from the said center connection is connected with the said contact 01, whereby signal light 2th will be i1- luminated whenever relay coil 2-01 is energized.

The side of signal lamp 212. opposite the abovementioned center connection is connected with contact g.

Motor 9-4 has its one terminal connected with contact e of the relay, 2. second terminal connected with contact I of the relay, and its third terminal connected directly with wire 203 The remainingconnections in the control circult consist of a wire leading from contact d to one side of a normally open start switch 22E}, the other side of which is connected with both of the contacts a and h of the relay.

It will be noted that opening and. closing of switch 2823 will have no effect on the energization of operating coil 263-, but that the entire control of this operating coil is accomplished by stop switch 2%, start switch 228, and limit switches LS! and- LSZ-I. Because of this, the main drive motor can be stopped at any time without effooting the setting ofthe control system.

Operation Before starting the control, gears 8!, 8-2 86, and so: are placed on their respective shafts, the gears having the proper number of teeth to turn shaft 28 at the rate of speed which has been determined as desired. The length of time motor 94 operates is determined by the setting of the switch LS4 in relation to the cam its. This cam revolves clockwise as viewed in Figure 1 2, but is not turning during the time the position of the switch is being set. Since this cam turns clockwise, the point of the cam indicated at 222 in Figure 14 is the point which engages and moves the roller 38 to disengage the contacts in switch L'Sl Insetting'up, the knob I29 is turned clockwise which, through the gears H6 and HE, turns the switch LS! anticlockwise and moves the roller I38 toward the cam point 222 and disengages the contacts in switch LSE. At the instant these points are disengaged, the set light 2l2 is extinguished. Dial H2- is then set with the zero division under the pointer H1, and this dial locked in position by tightenin the clamp H6, which holds the dial in place.

The knob Iii; is then turned anticlockwise to a predetermined calibration on dial H2, which turns gears H6 and l I 9 to move switchLSl clockwise, moving the roller Hi8 thereof away from the cam point 222 and over the flattened portion 1'36 of the cam. The brake plates M and Hit hold gears I I5 and 5 It in this position; until they are again moved by turn ng knob I 20.

After the machine is in operation and the various parts of the machine operating properly, the start switch 22:: is closed, starting the control motor 94 which,through its gear train, drives shaft 23. Also, shaft drives shaft I35, which gradually turns the cam so, that after a predetermined time interval, the point 222 of, the cam engages the roller H38, disengaging the contacts in switch LS! and stopping the control motor.

By using gears at BI, 82, 86, and 88 having different numbers of teeth, the speed of shaft 28 can be adjusted to any desired speed, since motor 94 runs at a constant speed. The speed of shaft 28 determines the speed at which shifting screw 44 will turn, and the rate at which the speed of shaft I2 is changed and the positionin of switch LSI in the manner just described determines the length of time this speed changing movement remains effective.

In operation, driving shaft I2 of the spinning frame is started through a wide range of speeds; for instance, this shaft sometimes may be started at speeds such as 800 R. P. M., 940 R. P. M., 1085 R. P. M., on up to 1375 R. M. P. depending upon the size and grade of yarn being made by the spinning frame, and, since this starting speed is. accomplished by positioning the pulley I by turning through the shifting screw 44 and chain drive to shaft 28, the speed of shaft I2 will always be in relation to the position of shaft 28. The rotative position of cam I08 may be at any point around the axis of shaft I00, and, since the length of time the controls will run to make a given speed change in shaft I2 is determined by the distance roller I38 is set from the cam point 222, it is necessary that switch LS'I also be positionable at any point around the axis of shaft I06. By the arrangement described, any predetermined rate of speed change may be selected and also any predetermined time duration in which this speed changing will be maintained.

Closing of the start switch 220 also forms a circuit from wire 204, through stop switch 208, switch LS2, run light 2I0, and back to wire 205, so that the run light is lighted during the time the motor 94 is running.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the pointer I50 carried by shaft I06 is always at a definite position on the dial I52 for a given spindle speed. For instance, this pointer will always be at the calibration of 6000 when the spindle is running 6000 R. P. M. 'In textile mills there may be any where from fifty to five hundred spinning frames, and sometimes several hundred spinning frames in the same room. As far as possible, the spinning frames are set up for a given size yarn, and

the practice is to run the frames on this size yarn as long as possible. That is, on a given frame, it is not considered good practice to be continually changing from one size yarn to another. v

However, different groups of frames in the sameroom maybe making a wide variety of yarns, and, therefore, have the spindles running at a wide variety of speeds. In the use of the present invention, when any given run is completed, and before stopping the power motor, the handwheel 6| is turned anticlockwise to reset this spinning frame to the proper starting speed. If no changes have been made, and this frame previously started at 6000 R. P. M. spindle speed, then it would again be started at 6000 R. P. M. spindle speed, but, since the spinning frames in a given room may be running at different speeds, the set-up man might have difficulty in remembering what the previous starting speed had been for each individual spinning frame.

According to this invention, therefore, a dial is provided, indicated by numeral I52, and if a given spinning frame started at 6000 R. P. M., the pointer I50 would be over the 6000calibration on dial I52 and the dial I 56 would be turned until the pointer 58 thereof was directly in line with the pointer I50 and the clamp I for clamping dial I50 would be tightened so that the pointer I58 would remain in a fixed position in relation to dial I52.

Pointer I50, however, during the spinning operation would gradually turn clockwise, and be standing over a calibration of 6600, if the speed increase was, for example, to be ten percent.

Thus, the operator need not attempt to record or remember the previous starting speed setting, since with this device he needs only to turn the handwheel 0i anticlockwise to a speed somewhat below the starting speed, then come up to the previous starting speed by turning the handwheel until pointer I50 is directly over pointer I58.

It will be understood that it is always necessary to disengage clutch worm wheel 02 from shaft 28 before the handwheel and shaft 28 can be turned.

The graph in Figure 17 shows a, number of different conditions which might be encountered in connection with varying the spindle speed of a spinning frame. It will be noted that certain of the lines on the graph indicate a constant rate of speed change between the lowest and highest spindle speeds, whereas others of the lines indicate a variation in the rate of changing the spindle speed.

For effecting a variable rate of change, the arrangement illustrated in Figure 18 may be employed. In this figure the gear 86 is driven at constant speed by the adjusting motor by being connected thereto by gear 88, shaft 90, and coupling 92. Shaft 84 on which gear 86 is mounted is threaded and mounts a nut 304 which is connected to a fastener rod 303 that engages belt 302 running on the conical pulleys 300 and till. Conical pulley 30I is mounted on shaft "I8 to which is connected gear 76 that meshes with gear. 14.

This arrangement will provide for a continuously varying change in the rate at which the speed of the transmission is adjusted, but it will be apparent that by properly shaping the pulleys 300 and 30I, any desirable rate changing characteristics could be obtained.

It will also be noted in the graphs of Figure 17 that certain thereof only indicate the changing of the spindle speed after the spinning frame has been in operation a predetermined time. This can readily be accomplished by modifying the circuit, as indicated in Figure 15, wherein the start switch 220 is by-passed by a timer blade T adapted for being closed after the timer motor M has operated for a predetermined length of time. Timer motor M is connected between power line L3 and contact g of relay 206. This arrangement provides that when the motor 20 is started, motor M will be energized, and after a predetermined length of time, blade T will be closed, thereby energizing relay coil 20?, whereupon the blade associated with contacts 9 and it will open, thus de-energizing the said motor, and at which time the timer will reset so as to be ready when a new run is commenced on the spinning frame.

By this means, the changing of the spindle speed can be initiated at any time after the commencing of a run on the spinning frame and automatically, and the rate of change can be controlled by an arrangement as illustrated in Figure 18.

It will be understood that this invention is susceptible to modification in order to adapt it to different usages and conditions, and, accordingly, it is desired to comprehend such modifications within this invention as may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In combination; a spinning frame having an input drive shaft, a constant speed motor, an infinitely variable transmission connecting said motor with said shaft, means for adjusting .said transmission to a predetermined transmission ratio at the start of a run on the spinning frame, power operated means for gradually increasing the speed ratio of .said transmission .during continued operation of said motor, and means for interrupting the adjusting of said transmission after a predetermined time interval.

2. In combination; a spinning frame having an input shaft, a constant speed drive motor, an infinitely variable speed transmission comiecting said motor with said shaft, means for initially setting said transmission to produce a desired lower rate of speed of said input shaft, a second motor, means drivingly connecting said second motor for adjusting said transmission toward a higher speed of said input shaft, means for energizing said second motor after the drive motor for the spinning frame is energized to commence a run on the frame, and means for deenergizing said second motor after a predetermined time interval.

3. In combination; a spinning frame having an input shaft, a constant speed drive motor, a variable speed transmission connecting said motor with said input shaft, a rotatable member for adjusting said transmission, an adjusting motor, a gear train connecting said adjusting motor with said rotatable member so energization of said adjusting motor will change the setting of the transmission to increase the speed of said input shaft, means for energizing said adjusting motor subsequent to the energizing the said drive motor at the beginning of a run on the spirming frame, means responsive to the elapse of a pres determined time interval from the energization of said adjusting motor for bringing about deenergization thereof, and means responsive to the adjustment of said transmission beyond a predetermined limit for de-energizing said adjusting motor.

4. In combination; an infinitely variable transmission, a rotatable member for adjusting the drive ratio of said transmission, an adjusting motor, a gear train connecting said adjusting motor with said rotatable member so that energization of the adjusting motor will adjust the transmission to produce a higher speed at the output end thereof, a limit switch in circuit with said motor, and a cam driven by said motor for engaging and actuating said limit switch, whereby said motor will be deenergized after a predetermined period of operation thereof.

5. In combination; an infinitely variable transmission, a rotatable member for adjusting said transmission, an adjusting motor, gearing interconnecting said adjusting motor with said rotatable member so that energization of the adjusting motor will adjust said transmission, said gears being change gears to provide for a variety of driving ratios between the adjusting motor and said member, a limit switch in circuit with said motor, a cam for engaging and actuating said limit switch to de-energize said motor, one of said cam and limit switch being driven by 12 said motor 'for movement in unison therewith, and the other of saidcam and limit switch :being adjustable to vary the period of driving required to bring said cam and limit switch into engagement.

.6. In combination; a constant speed drive motor and an infinitely variable transmission arranged for being driven thereby adapted for driving the input shaft of a spinning frame, .a rotatable member for adjusting the setting of said transmission, manual means for rotating said member, a constant .speed adjusting motor, a reduction gear train connecting said adjusting motor with said rotatable member and including a manuallydisengageable clutch, a limit switch in circuit with said adjusting motor adapted for de-energizing said motor when actuated, a movable carrier for said limit switch arranged for manual .adjustment, a cam for engaging and actuating said limit switch drivingly connected with said rotatable member, and means for indicating the relative positions of said cam and limit switch at all times.

'7. In a control arrangement for a variable speed transmission which has a rotatable member for effecting adjustment thereof, a shaft adapted for being drivingly connected with said rotatable member, a handwheel on said shaft for the manual adjustment thereof, a constant speed adjusting motor, a gear train connecting said adjusting motor with said shaft and including a manually disengageable clutch, a limit switch in circuit with said motor adapted for de-energizing the motor when actuated, a gear on which the limit switch is mounted, means for angularly adjusting said gear and for frictionally retaining the gear in its adjusted positions, a cam for actuating said switch coaxially arranged with said gear and rotatable relative thereto, and a gear train connecting said cam with said shaft.

8. In a control system for a variable speed transmission whichhas a rotatable member for adjusting the setting of the transmission; a shaft adapted for being drivingly connected with said member, a handwheel on the shaft, a worm wheel rotatable on the shaft, a clutch member keyed to the shaft and normally urged into driving engagement with said worm wheel, said clutch being manually engageable from the worm wheel, a constant speed adjusting motor, reduction gearing connecting said adjusting motor with said worm wheel, a limit switch in circuit with said motor for tie-energizing the motor when actuated, a gear carrying the limit switch, a second gear meshing with the said gear, a shaft and adjusting knob connected with said second gear, means for frictiona-lly restraining said gears against movement from any predetermined adjusted position, a cam coaxial with the first-mentioned said gear, a shaft supporting said cam and including an indicator, and means drivingly connecting the last-mentioned shaft with the shaft on which the handwheel is mounted.

9. In a control system for a variable speed transmission which has a rotatable member for adjusting the setting of the transmission; and a shaft adapted for being drivingly connected with said member, a handwheel on the shaft, a worm Wheel rotatable on the shaft, a clutch member keyed to the shaft and normally urged into driving engagement with said worm wheel, said clutch being manually disengageable from the worm wheel, a constant speed adjusting motor,

reduction gearing connecting said adjusting mo-" tor with said worm wheel, a limit switch in circuit with said motor for de-energizing the motor when actuated, a gear carrying the limit switch, a second gear meshing with the said gear, a shaft and adjusting knob connected with said second gear, means for frictionally restraining said gears against movement from'any predetermined adjusted position, a cam coaxial with the first-mentioned said gear, a shaft supporting said cam and including an indicator, and means drivingly connecting the last-mentioned shaft with the shaft on which the handwheel is mounted, the gearing connecting said adjusting motor with said worm wheel comprising change gears for adjusting the drive ratio between the adjusting motor and the worm wheel.

10. In a control arrangement of the nature described; a closed housing, a shaft extending from said housing and having means for connection with the adjusting element of a variable speed transmission, a handwheel for turning said shaft, an indicating dial, a ointer movable over said dial, reduction gearing connecting said shaft with said pointer, a constant speed motor in said housing, reduction gearing connecting said motor with said shaft and including a manually disengageable clutch, a cam connected to rotate with said pointer, a limit switch adjustable about the axis of rotation of said cam for actuation by said cam at a predetermined point in its travel, a second dial on said housing, a second pointer movable thereover, and said second pointer being connected for effecting the described adjusting of said limit switch.

11. In a control arrangement of the nature described; a closed housing, a shaft extending from said housing and having means for connection with the adjusting element of a variable speed transmission, a handwheel for turning said shaft, an indicating dial, a pointer movable over said dial, reduction gearing connecting said shaft with said pointer, a constant speed motor in said housing, reduction gearing connecting said motor with said shaft and including a manually disengageable clutch, a cam connected to rotate with said pointer, a limit switch adjustable about the axis of rotation of said cam for actuation by said cam at a predetermined point in its travel, a second dial on said housing, a second pointer movable thereover, and said second pointer being connected for effecting the described adjusting of said limit switch, the said reduction gearing connecting the adjusting motor with the said shaft comprising change gears adjacent one wall of the housing, and said housing being provided with access doors to permit changing said gears.

12. In a control arrangement of the nature described; a closed housing, a shaft extending from said housing and having means for connection with the adjusting element of a variable speed transmission, a handwheel for turning said shaft, an indicating dial, a pointer movable over said dial, reduction gearing connecting said shaft with said pointer, a constant speed motor in said housing, reduction gearing connecting said motor with said shaft and including a manually disengageable clutch, a cam connected to rotate with said pointer, a limit switch adjustable about the axis of rotation of said cam for actuation by said cam at a predetermined point in its travel, a second dial on said housing, a second pointer movable thereover, said second pointer being connected for effecting the described adjusting of said limit switch, a third pointer associated with said first dial, and means for adjusting said third pointer about said first dial and for clamping it in position.

13. In a control arrangement of the nature described; a closed housing, a shaft extending from said housing and having means for connection with the adjusting element of a variable speed transmission, a handwheel for turning said shaft, an indicating dial, a pointer movable over said dial, reduction gearing connecting said shaft with said pointer, a constant speed motor in said housing, reduction gearing connecting said motor with said shaft and including a manually disengageable clutch, a cam connected to rotate with said pointer, a limit switch adjustable about the axis of rotation of said cam for actuation by said cam at a predetermined point in its travel, a second dial on said housing, a second pointer movable thereover, said second pointer being connected for effecting the described adjusting of said limit switch, said second dial being rotatable about the axis of rotation of its associated pointer, and there being means for clamping said second dial in its adjusted positions.

14. In a device of the nature described; a shaft, a cam on the shaft rotatable therewith, a gear adjacent the cam rotatable on the shaft, a limit switch carried by the gear for actuation by the cam, a disk of insulating material carried by the gear, slip rings on the said disk, and wires electrically connecting the terminals of the limit switch with the Slip rings and extending through the'gear.

15. In a device of the nature described; a shaft, a cam on the shaft rotatable therewith, a gear adjacent the cam rotatable on the shaft, a limit switch carried by the gear for actuation by the cam, a disk of insulating material carried by the gear, slip rings on the said disk, and wires electrically connecting the terminals of the limit switch with the slip rings and extending through the gear, said slip rings being adapted for engagement by stationary brushes for maintaining electrical connection with said limit switch in all positions of angular adjustment of its supporting gear.

16. In a control system of the nature described; a main drive motor, a power line leading to said motor and a starting switch in the power line for controlling the motor, an adjusting motor adapted for adjusting the speed ratio of a variable speed transmission driven by the first motor and also connected for being controlled by said starting switch, and another control circuit for said adjusting motor connected to said power line on the supply side of said starting switch, whereby opening and closing of the starting switch does not affect the said control circuit.

1'7. In a control system of the nature described; a main drive motor, a power line leading to said motor and a starting switch in the power line for controlling the motor, an adjusting motor adapted for adjusting the speed ratio of a variable speed transmission driven by the firstmotor and also connected for being controlled by said starting switch, and another control circuit for said adjusting motor connected to said power line onthe supply side of said starting switch, whereby opening and closing of the starting switch does not affect the said control circuit, said control circuit including means for effecting deenergization of said adjusting motor after a predetermined period of'energization thereof.

18. In a control system of the nature described; a main drive motor, a power line leading to said motor and a starting switch in the p'oweriine ior controlling the motor, an adjusting motor adapted for adjusting the speed ratio of a variable speed transmission driven by the first motor and also connected for being controlled by said'starting switch, another control circuit for said adjusting :motor connected to-sa-id power line on the supp y side'ofsaid starting switoh, whereby opening and closing of the starting switch does not affect the said controlcircuit, said control'circuit including means for effecting de-energization of said adjusting motor after a predetermined period of 'energization thereof, and said control circuit also including means for effecting deen'ergization of said'adjustingmo'tor upon the ad'- justing of the said transmission beyond a predetermined point.

19. In combination; a spinning .frame having an input shaft, a drive motor, an infinitely variable speed transmission connecting said motor with said shaft, means for initially setting said transmission to produce a desired lower rate of speed of said input shaft, a second motor, means drivingly connecting said second motor with said transmission for adjusting the transmission toward .a higher speed of said input shaft, means for automatically energizing said second motor a predetermined time after the 'energization of the drive motor, means for de-energ'izing said second motor "a predetermined time after theenergization thereof, the said means drivingly connecting said second motor with said transmission comprising a second variable speed transmission, and means connected with said second motor for automatically adjusting the said second variable 16 speed transmission during the period of energization of said second motor.

20. In combination with an infinitely variable speed transmission, a movable member for adjusting the speed ratio of the transmission, an adjusting motor, a'second transmission connecting said adjusting motor with said movable member, and the said second transmission comprising an element movable :for adjusting its "drive ratio, and means driven by the motor for actuating =the said element.

21. In combination; a spinning "frame having an input drive shaft, a constant speed motor, an infinitely variable transmission connecting said motor with said shaft, means for adjusting said transmission to a predetermined transmission ratio during a run on the spinning name, means separately power operated for gradually increasing the speed ratio of said transmission during continued operation of said motor, and :means for interrupting the adjusting of said transmission after a predetermined time interval.

References Gites! the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,132,478 Johnson Mar. I6, 1915 1,387,433 Ruhren "Nov. 8, 1932 11,985,017 Bush Dec. '18, 1934 2,415,801 Armitage et a1 Feb. 11, 1947 2,431,323 Graybeal Nov. 25, 1947 2,489,725 Rutemiller NOV. "29, 1949 2,529,067 Bennett Nov. 7, 1950 2,530,146 Barker Nov. 14, 1950 

